Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Building a Custom Home.
Honest answers to the questions we're asked most. No marketing speak.
HomeFAQ
Cost & Budget
How much does a custom home cost in Tasmania?+
Custom homes in Tasmania range from $3,500 to $12,000+ per m² depending on size, complexity, and sustainability features. A mid-range 240m² home typically costs $1M–$1.5M all-in. See our full 2026 Cost Guide for a detailed breakdown.
What is included in a fixed-price contract?+
Our fixed-price contract includes all structural work, fit-out, fixtures, and finishes specified in the contract documents. Exclusions: land, council fees, soil tests, architectural fees (unless bundled), landscaping, and furnishings.
Are there hidden costs in a Davies build?+
No provisional sums, no hidden preliminaries. The BuildPrint™ process prices every item before you sign. The only cost changes after signing are client-initiated variations — deliberate changes you request.
Process & Timeline
How long does a Davies build take from start to finish?+
Allow 18–24 months from Discovery Call to handover: 8–16 weeks of design, 4–6 weeks of BuildPrint™, 4–12 weeks for council approval, and 12–18 months of construction.
Do I need my own architect?+
No. Davies has an integrated architecture firm, Align Architecture & Interiors. Your architect and builder work as one team, eliminating the gaps and budget blowouts common in separate architect/builder arrangements.
Can I manage my build from interstate?+
Yes — many of our clients build from Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane. Our BuildPrint™ system provides complete project visibility remotely, with weekly updates and a live project portal.
Passivhaus & High Performance
Is Davies Construction a certified Passivhaus builder?+
Yes. Luke Davies holds Passivhaus Designer and Passivhaus Tradesperson certifications from the Passive House Institute — among fewer than 100 such practitioners in Australia.
Does Passivhaus cost more?+
Typically 10–15% more upfront than an equivalent standard build. Energy bills are 70–90% lower. The premium is recovered within 8–12 years, and the comfort improvement is immediate.
What is a high-performance home if not full Passivhaus?+
A 'Passivhaus-informed' home applies the core principles — continuous insulation, airtightness, MVHR, high-performance glazing, solar orientation — without full certification. You get 80% of the performance at a fraction of the added cost.
Building in Tasmania
What areas does Davies Construction service?+
We build within approximately one hour of Sheffield: Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone, Launceston, Deloraine, Hawley Beach, Port Sorell, Shearwater, and surrounds. Contact us for projects further afield.
How does Tasmania compare to mainland building costs?+
Tasmania runs 10–20% less than comparable Melbourne or Sydney outer suburban builds, and 30–50% less than premium markets like Byron Bay. Combined with lower land prices, your total investment buys considerably more.
What planning approvals do I need to build in Tasmania?+
Most new homes require a Development Application through your local council using the PlanBuild Tasmania online portal. Permitted development (standard residential in residential zones) typically takes 28 days. Davies manages the entire planning process as part of the Pre-Construction Service.